Neither defendant pleaded guilty to wage theft when the trial started. One defendant, Remigijus Daugela, was convicted in 2011 for paying workers an hourly wage of only 28 kroner. Since coming to Norway in 2008, Daugela has held roles in over 30 companies, 21 of which ended in bankruptcy or compulsory dissolution.
He has received bankruptcy quarantine three times, meaning he cannot sit on the board of a limited company. The prosecution believes Daugela has secretly controlled companies through straw men. The other defendant is an Estonian who has lived in Norway and held roles in several companies with Daugela since 2022.
Tincaburov found the job on Facebook and first contacted the Estonian defendant. Victim support lawyer Ivar André Holm represents seven workers who were allegedly cheated. According to NRK Østfold, Holm described the workers as very concerned that the injustice be rectified, noting that some had to take out loans.
Nav's wage guarantee has paid out some money, but much remains unpaid, including overtime and additional hours. The prosecution has indicated it will seek compensation. The case has grown since the first indictment in December; in February the two were remanded in custody for new conditions.
Police lawyer Isak Damman stated the remand was due to risk of reoffending. The two defendants appealed but remain in custody. Borgarting Court of Appeal wrote that the new conditions appear to be criminality related to the charges in the indictment.